Ohio DNR outlines free environmental-review service to help Lorain County projects avoid permit delays

Representatives of the Ohio Department of Natural Resources told a Lorain County workshop that the agency’s environmental-review (ER) service can help local construction and land-use projects identify regulated natural resources early and avoid later permit delays.

The ER is a voluntary, free review that provides written recommendations and referral contacts for projects that may affect waterways, threatened or endangered species, scenic rivers and floodplains, ODNR officials said. The agency advised submitting a project description and map early and in digital form to reduce the chance of late-stage survey requirements that can slow construction.

Ann, who identified herself as the ODNR environmental review and compliance project manager in the Office of Real Estate and Land Management, said the department coordinates across divisions to specify what regulations a project must follow. "We coordinate with all the divisions to let you know what regulations your project will need to comply with," she said. "This is a free service we provide on the whole state." She said…